The original Bloch split-sole ballet shoe combines a leather upper with a soft and flexible canvas arch insert, which will not stretch out of shape. It features an elastic drawstring, cotton lining and suede leather sock lining. Comes with pre-sewn elastics.

Nice leather ballet slippers however be sure to check on the width when ordering them. They are very true to size. We ordered a size 3A. They were so narrow and no girls in studio could fit in those shoes. I had to return and got a 3B instead.

Comfortable Shoes

by: Anonymous - 11/18/2017

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: True to size

I have had these shoes for about six months. These shoes are probably the most comfortable ballet shoes I have tried so far. I used to always get leather shoes because of durability and that is just what my mom got me when I was younger. Since trying the leather/canvas combination that is the type of shoe I will stick with. The canvas hugs your arch nicely, and I like having the cross straps for extra support. The leather is fairly thin making the durability so-so. Three sizes down from street size is good but I did have to pull in the drawstrings a fair amount. The pink might be a little bright for some people. Overall this is a good shoe with a few cons. I am not sure if I will get this same shoe again or try out a different brand of the leather/canvas.

My daughter is 9 years old, wears a size 4 street shoe, followed instructions for sizing and ordered a size 3.0, shoe fits well. However, she is growing like a weed (probably should have ordered a 3.5 to get more use out of them) so I could see having to order a size up very soon. Great quality, love that the straps are pre-sewn, my daughter is not very versed in different ballet shoes, but she says they are "great"!

The sizing of these shoes run really small. I followed the instructions and the shoes were so small my daughter could not wear them.

Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback and we are sorry to hear the sizing did not work. One of our Customer Service representatives will contact you to rectify the situation. We are more than happy to help you to find the right fit shoes for your daughter. - Elina

I have just a few "standards" for clothing when I'm looking for dance accessories, these being 1) comfort, 2) look, 3) durability, and 4) how easy they are to dance in. (Not in a specific order.)
1) Comfort - PROS - These shoes are so comfortable to wear!! Comfort is a huge thing for me wherever I go (especially when dancing), so these shoes were great.
They slide on easily and stay on, and mold softly to the foot, so it feels like you're not even wearing them. The outside leather is very soft, and the inside cotton isn't coarse or rough, and the inside sole is very soft. The cloth insert between the soles only adds to the comfort and easy of pointing and flexing, and adds to the flexibility and range of motion of the foot. The placement of the elastics crossing on the top of the foot add extra support and look really great in any position.
CONS - These shoes were a little loose around the entire foot, so I've had to pull and tighten the drawstring multiple times. The string does stay, but it bunches the leather up and ruins the soft and sleek look of the shoe on the foot.
2) Look - PROS - The leather is a beautiful soft flesh-toned pink, and it blends perfectly with the tights, creating a seamless and soft line up the leg. From the side, the pointe is really beautiful and sharp and I think the cut elongates the line of the toe, creating that long pointe all dancers desire. When flexed, it also accentuates the arch of the foot, and like I mentioned before, the two elastics add to the look.
CONS - When I got the shoes, they were kind of bunched up in the package, and the leather was wrinkled and looked old. I thought that as I danced in the shoes and broke them in to fit my foot the wrinkles would go away, but they've stayed. Especially when my foot is relaxed or pointed, the wrinkles really show and mess up the line of the foot. I mentioned this in the comfort section, but when I tightened the drawstring, the fabric completely bunched up and added to the wrinkles. My pair before this was also leather, but the leather was smooth and not wrinkled, which I enjoyed. I've liked this pair more, except for the wrinkled leather. I don't know if it bothers anyone else, but I liked the look of the smooth leather.
3) Durability - PROS - I've had these shoes for about two years (I think), and they're great. The scuff marks that inevitably appear on all ballet shoes have only appeared on the toe and right side of the shoe, and barely around the heel, and they're not noticeable. The soles have smoothed down, and the level of friction is great.
CONS - The inside sole of the shoes have started to peel up around the toes and a little on the heel, and while I'm dancing, they'll peel up more and it hurts to dance with them. I've glued down the the peeling edges, and that's helped considerably, but it's still an issue as the glue gives out and peels off.
4) Danceability - PROS - I guess this kind of ties in to the comfort section of being easy to dance in, but these shoes really are wonderful when dancing. They form easily and quickly to the foot and aren't slippery or sticky. They last long and are soft but secure.
CONS - While turning, they can sometimes stick and require a little extra effort to get around in, especially while doing pique turns. They're great for other turns like chaines, but pique turns tend to stick the the floor and make it a little hard to glide around (especially when doing double piques).
These shoes have blown my expectations. I adore the shoes, and will probably be purchasing the same pair when these wear out. These shoes are wonderful!!

I bought these as my first pair of ballet slippers. Since I was new to ballet, I had a professional fitting session and tried on several brands and sizes. I had no preference to canvas or leather. These hybrid shoes flattered my feet the best out of their inventory.
My street shoe size is women's 7.5 wide. I went home with these shoes in size 4.5D. I have rather large bunions so I wanted a comfortable, non-restrictive shoe. I have an average arch, and "Egyptian" type feet, which means my toes taper from the big toe down to the pinky toe.
These shoes still fit very snug in my forefoot after a couple classes. I'm hoping they will stretch but if not I will have to consider going wider next time. Also, the heel suede is rather far forward on the shoe. My heel is only barely covered because the patch actually sits at the back of my arch.
The criss-cross elastics come attached at the heel only. I attached mine at the top of the canvas arch on both sides. The heel is deep and never slips. The arch is snug, even in a relaxed position. I feel very secure in these shoes.
The canvas arch insert is a slightly darker, more tan color than the rest of the shoe. It also bunches at the front when I point. Doesn't look nearly as pretty as the picture. And the cloth covering over the string is slightly more pink than the arch. Meaning the shoe is 3 slightly different colors.
Overall this shoe was more comfortable than several others I tried. But I will buy a backup pair, probably in a different style or brand.

Should start my review saying that I have weird feet - They are on the wide side with really high instep and fairly high arch and I have long toes, hammertoe like in that in a totally relaxed position, the first knuckle from the bottom is bent. My normal sandal size is a 7 or 7.5 and wide if it's an option. My normal non-sandal size is a 7.5W-8. The first pair of slippers I got were the canvas Pro Elastics from Bloch, and I posted my review for those. But I was hoping these wouldn't have the issues they did on me (elastic too tight for my high instep and wide foot). Happy to say so far, I love these (have only had them a day). I got a size 5E. I was surprised the elastic was attached (for some reason I was thinking they weren't, even though it clearly says they are), so was crossing my fingers the elastic wouldn't dig into the top of my instep. Thankfully, they don't (must be the E width that helped that?). They are a tiny bit wide, but I appreciate the tie at the top allowing me to adjust accordingly to get a really good fit (unlike the elastic around my Pro Elastics which dug into my foot). They are just a hair long, so I probably could've gone with a 4.5E (my toes are not against at the top, but more like a street shoe fit), but as a home ballet learner, I think they'll work for me just fine. I also like the leather better than canvas. I'm sure this is just a personal thing, but it feels higher quality and I just love the soft feel of it.

I went to the discount dance store to buy my first pair of shoes and the employee who was helping me picked these out for me and I ended up buying them in a 7b. I didn't realize until after I started ballet that I should have bought a 6.5 because when I point my toes there is quite a bit of extra fabric at the front which makes it look like I'm not pointing very well. My shoes are also very squeaky, which is probably from them being too big. They've lasted me 9 months dancing 3 hours a week without any structural damage, but they've faded a bit on the toe to a weird light grey/brown. Otherwise these shoes make my arches look great and are very comfortable!

Happy Enough

by: koolchicken - 09/01/2013

Comfort:

Durability:

I bought these in store. I had wanted to try on two other brands but they carried neither and I needed something quickly so I ended up with these. They seem really nice and well made, but the limited sizes are a bummer. My feet are average width but are in between a 10 and a 10.5. The largest size these came in was an 8 (translates to a 10) and they were a bit short. They do seem to have stretched, the clerk said they would but they're still a smidge small. I just wish they had more size options, Bloch does make bigger sizes just not in these. :(
Also, they don't mention it online but they say on the box Prolite ii Hybrid. Not sure why DDS fails to mention that's what style these are on the site.

runs very large

by: dancemomheather - 08/29/2013

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Durability:

I bought these shoes because the Capezio were out of stock. My oldest daughter's shoes were a six last year, but they were a little small so she bought the six and a half. They were two sizes too big. Now I have to go through the hassle to return and order a new pair. They were a nice shoe though.

Leather is as thick as my last pair

by: Rubieee - 04/28/2013

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Durability:

I have been sticking to Bloch leather ballet slippers since the day I started to learn ballet -- and they are awesome. Purchasing this pair of slippers again for the upcoming performance, I worried if the quality of leather is going downhill due to today's prevalent planned obsolescence. Very fortunately, the new pair of slippers delivered this time was exactly as the same as my last pair -- no skimping of the leather! :-)) I could survive two shoes very comfortably with confidence thanks Bloch, the company not yet gives into planned obsolescence. I hope they will keep putting us dancers first, not their profit.

Sizing reco is way off

by: 1practicalgal - 04/24/2013

This shoe may be great once my daughter can actually wear them. The description suggests "women order 3 sizes smaller than street size" and while it warns this is a guide, it is incredibly wrong. My daughter wears a size 5.5 women's street shoe, so I order 2.5. They are at least an inch too short. I'm going to have to exchange and will try a 4.5.

They used to be awesome

by: SFFashionista - 03/29/2013

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Durability:

These used to be among the best slippers around. If you have a pair that came without the elastics attached at the heel, you are a lucky person, because you have to old (awesome) ones. The new ones with the elastic already sewn at the heel are completely different and inferior. The leather is not as high quality and the shoes are not as attractive, comfortable or flattering as they used to be. Very disappointing, there's really no reason to bother with these anymore when there are so many other (better) choices.

Nice quality but not practical or flattering

by: balletsupremacist - 02/08/2013

Comfort:

Durability:

As is to expect from all Bloch products, these shoes have great quality. Although they form well around the foot, they are made of pretty thick leather which makes them hot and sweaty quickly and therefore kind of uncomfortable. Additionally, the leather makes them extremely sticky so it's hard to perform pirouettes and turns in general with these slippers on. Unfortunately for me, they are very durable so I won't be getting rid of them in some time.

Nice shoes

by: beginner - 01/29/2013

Comfort:

Durability:

These run true to size. I ordered 2.5 sizes down from street size having never tried them on and they fit perfectly. Comfortable and cute, though the color is a bit darker than I hoped it would be. The leather is thin, supple, and comfortable, but I'm not quite sure how long they will last, especially in and around the toe area. Worth it for classes

My thirteen year old loves these shoes!

by: KayTee - 12/10/2012

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Durability:

I bought these for my daughter who takes one ballet class per week. She LOVES these shoes, especially the double strap and split sole. They also seem to be better quality than the Capezio's she had before. Definitely order 3 sizes down like it says. My daughter takes a womans size 9 street shoe and got the size 6-D ballet shoes. Her feet are not normally wide but she doesn't like a very restrictive shoe.

looks good on the feet

by: Rowr - 08/04/2012

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

Ive had two pairs of these and I really like the split-sole style - they make my feet look extra nice! I found these shoes to be comfortable and fit pretty well. I normally wear a 7.5-8 in street size, I ordered a 6 in these and they fit perfectly - so I would only recommend to going 1.5 to 2 sizes down.
I've worn my last pair to class for about 5 months (~4 times a week) and they don't have any holes but the sole inside at the toes is starting to peel up a bit in one shoe, and they are getting really dirty.. time for a new pair!

First Split-Sole Slipper - A Great Choic

by: Rubie - 07/08/2012

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

I was wearing Bloch's Dansoft for a year and a half and the shoes started to slide off when doing some jumps. Dansoft was still in a great shape and I could keep waring for another year if I didn't have this problem; but I finally decided to buy a new pair. Given Bloch is a reliable brand that produces high quality shoes, I wanted to stick with Bloch and this time wanted to step up to wearing a split-sole slipper. This slipper fits perfectly and wears very well. Now it's easier to point my toes and do releve. Same as Dansoft, I just ordered the size 2 1/2 down from my normal "sandal" size and it fits perfectly. I also got the same B-wide slipper as Dansoft, didn't have to change the width either. Highly recommended.

comfortable and well-fitting ballet slip

by: musikmaniak7625 - 06/15/2012

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

These are my first ballet slippers. I really like them. They are comfy and fit nice and snugly without being too tight. I really like them. I haven't had them for very long so I don't know how they will hold up, but they seem well made and durable. I really like them. 3

I love these shoes, although they were my first ballet shoes, but still, they're awesome! But, they do tend to enjoy picking up dirt and such from the studio floor, although that just might be this studio and not the shoes.

These shoes will not die. I've worn them at least 3 hours a week (usually about 5) for a year and a half, with floors that tend to stick and even on cement for a bit. They don't really look pretty anymore, but are definitely holding together well enough to continue rehearsing in! If you want a shoe that lasts a long time, this is definitely the shoe to get.

Love these!

by: Alysia - 11/14/2011 - California,

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

I have had these for about 15 minutes, so I can only comment on initial impression and not longevity. Right out of the box these are most comfortable and best-looking ballet flats I have ever owned. The leather is really soft and the fit is perfect. I wear a normal-width, street shoe size 6 and got a 3-1/2A. The long-ish vamp makes my toes look long and the split sole is really comfortable. I think I used to get capezios a long time ago, and I recall the soles to be problematic. They were thick and I could feel it under my boney feet and I had trouble balancing because of it. These are hardly noticeable and feel so flat on the ground, I love it. Honestly, they fit and feel so good, that, unless there are any problems dancing in them, or with their quality or construction (don't predict that, given the other reviews), I can't see ever switching to another shoe.

Beautiful shoes!

by: Taylor - 11/13/2011 - California,

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

These shoes are the first and only slipper I've worn. It's extremely comfortable and it hugs your arch beautifully. Be careful with sizing though. I'm a 7.5 street shoe, and I like snug shoes so I got a 6. For tighter, go with 1.5 smaller, and for a looser fit, go with 1 size smaller.

Beautiful shoes!

by: Taylor - 11/13/2011 - California,

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

These shoes are the first and only slipper I've worn. It's extremely comfortable and it hugs your arch beautifully. Be careful with sizing though. I'm a 7.5 street shoe, and I like snug shoes so I got a 6. For tighter, go with 1.5 smaller, and for a looser fit, go with 1 size smaller.

Very comfortable

by: Blondie - 06/11/2011 - Virginia,

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

Very comfortable!! These were the best slippers I've ever had. The canvas insert hugged my arch and made even my freakishly wide toes look good.
They even lasted for a long time! I bought them TWO YEARS ago, and I finally wore a hole through the toes. Very,very nice shoes. When in doubt, buy these.

It's OK

by: Tutucute - 12/29/2008 - Illinois,

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

I do like the canvas insert that hugs your arch. And with the elastic pre-sewn, it saves some time.
But the sizing was just off. I ordered 3 sizes smaller just like the suggested fitting and it was almost too small. And also it was a bit too pinky for me.

Great shoes!

by: Anne - 10/18/2008 - New York,

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

I love these shoes because they last a long time. I started wearing Capezio slippers and they had holes in them after about a month. With these, they last me a whole 6 months and I dance A LOT!!! You should totally buy these shoes if you want a long lasting and comfortable shoe.

Ordered 3 sizes smaller for my daughter as directed by the website. They are WAY too small. The shoe lacks at least an inch from going over her foot. Beautiful shoe, very soft. Now I don't know what size to order.

AMAZING!

Great shoes, consistent style/sizing

by: Carrie - 05/02/2007 - Charlotte, Nc,

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

I have been wearing these shoes for nearly 10 years, and I still think they are wonderful. Definitely my favorite leather shoes, although I am not a huge fan of the same style in all canvas. I do love the canvas insert, though I've found that you need to sew criss-cross straps for it to really pull up in the arch. However, the sizing and style is consistent, so I always know what I am getting, a plus when ordering online. I've never had a pair that made my feet look bad.

The Bloch split-sole ballet shoe is great because unlike most leather ballet slippers, it doesn't get tethered within your first week of use. Also, it's pretty cheap. And when teenagers' feet are growing a size practically every 6 months, it is a real help.

GREAT

by: Ashleigh - 08/11/2006 - Massachusetts,

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

I own these shoes and they are very comfortable!! The only thing is without the elastic, they do not snug to your foot at all!! (and of course the elastic is not pre-sewn!) They do come with 2 elastics to criss-cross and once you have the elastics sewn on, they fit perfectly!! I love that they have the insert of canvas!! It makes your arch look very good! The sizing chart is correct, 3 sizes smaller. Overall a great shoe!

Over all O.K.

by: Lauren - 06/19/2006

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

I agree that these shoes are very comfortable when broken in nicely. I am an intermediate dancer, who dances 2 to 5 days a week and I've had these shoes for almost 2 years. However, I also had problems with the inner sole rolling/detaching, like the person who made an anonymous comment on 5-29-06. Also, because they only had 1 elastic they were somewhat loose near my arch, which did not make it appear very high. I give it 4 stars instead of 3 because of how long they lasted.

I love these shoes. They don't take all that long to break in, they are much more durable than Capezio leather split sole, and they make my arch look better. However, I wish that they would come up a little higher on the toes.

GREAT SHOE

by: K - 05/01/2006 - California,

Comfort:

Durability:

Fit: Runs small

This is a great shoe, they are better than Sansha's. I can't begin to tell you how soft this shoe really is. The leather is soft and cushy, along with the canvas. It's a great shoe, if you like leather. The only complaint I have is that it only comes with single elastics, I prefer criss-cross.

Going from Child to Adult

by: HappyinOregon (05/20/2015 - Oregon) Age: 35 to 44

My daughter is outgrowing these ballet slippers in the child version. Her last pair were size 1 C in the child's bloch prolite II hybrid. I see they only go to 1.5 in child's sizing. I'm wondering if I should hop over to adult sizing. If so, what size should I order? She is right between a 1.5-2 in girls street shoes. Thank you so much!

You can easily transition into the adult sizing for this item. First increase the child street shoe size by two. Then follow the suggested fitting for the adult shoe you are purchasing. All of the fitting guides are listed on the product page.- DDS Customer Service (06/11/2015)

We previously have bought these ballet slippers but can't see the size, they measure 8'' from heel t

by: Tracey (12/01/2013)

Because sizing for Bloch is different, it would be hard to determine the size based on the measurement of the shoe.
Please contact Customer Service so we can better assist you.- DDS Customer Service (12/04/2013)

The cross cross straps are not attached! Am I suppose to have these sewn or is this a defect? Please

by: Ballet mom (09/12/2013)

Most split sole ballet slippers come with the elastic sewn only at the heels. You would need to cross the elastic, and sew at the arch of the shoes. Vendors do this so that you can determine how tight you would like the elastic.- DDS Customer Service (09/13/2013)

Is the leather getting thinner for newer products?

by: Rubieee (03/22/2013 - Honolulu, Hi)

I have taken a notice of the most recent review on this product stating that the leather is thin, which worries me because I own the same shoes in the past 8 months and the leather is as thick as Dansoft - my first ballet slipper. Are the recent shoes of this style indeed skimping on the leather??? I hope not...

We have not gotten any notice that the vendor has changed the material for their products. - Carriemf (03/25/2013)